Dunlop

Here and Now with John Bowe – March 2010

For the first time in 26 years I went to a race meeting with my own car, a 600 horsepower 1969 Ford Mustang! A bit like an expectant father, I fussed about it making sure everything was correct and looking a picture for its debut at Clipsal in the Autobarn Touring Car Masters support series.

Unfortunately though in the first practice I blotted my copy book so to speak and crashed the car. Unlike most race drivers, I don’t make excuses, I was a goose. Much like the cause of many road accidents, I wasn’t driving to the conditions and was trying too hard on a slippery surface.

The end result was that the front of the Muzzie was severely rearranged, as will my bank account be. I was so peeved with myself, still am really, but it is a good reminder of how close danger is when driving no matter how many years experience you have.

My little team though, ably lead by Dick Savy, knocked it back into shape, and I do mean knocked. These old muscle cars are 40 years old so you can’t buy panels at the local Ford dealer. Luckily there is such a thing as ‘race tape’ and it came in mighty handy.

The good news from Adelaide is that the Mustang is fast; I qualified on pole position and set the lap record. If it wasn’t for a power steering failing due to a stretched line from the earlier shunt I would have had a good shot at taking victory in the car on its very first outing, but had to settle for third.

Having raced the past two seasons of the Touring Car Masters in a GM-built Camaro, the reaction from fans to me racing a Ford again 2010 was very positive, and I even have my old Number 18 back again!

Until next time, drive safely.

Tags: Autobarn Touring Car Masters, Ford Mustang, John Bowe